The National Association for Biomedical Research (NABR) is the nation's only organization dedicated solely to advocating for sound public policy that recognizes the vital role that animals play in biomedical research. On behalf of the biomedical research community, the National Association for Biomedical Research advocates for sound public policy in support of ethical and essential laboratory animal research.
In 1979, the "Research Animal Alliance", a group of companies and individuals seeking to protect the scientific community’s ability to conduct biomedical research, was formed in Boston, MA. With Edward C. Melby, Jr. DVM, then Dean of Cornell University School of Veterinary Medicine as the association’s first president, and Frankie L. Trull as the organization's executive director, RAA successfully guided emerging legislation that would affect the future of biomedical research that relies on animal models. The growing organization changed its name to the Association for Biomedical Research (ABR) in 1981 in order to reflect its core mission. In that same year, ABR President Dr. Edward C. Melby testified before Congress on the important role of animals in medical research.
"It is our opinion that the peer review system of the major granting agencies, including the NIH, the editorial review process for originality of thought by scientific journals and the cost-effectiveness of private industry prevent most so-called unnecessary animal experiments.” Dr. Edward C. Melby, Association for Biomedical Research. In September 1984, the ABR office relocated to Washington, D.C. in response to increasing congressional interest. The ABR merged with the National Society for Medical Research in 1985 to become the National Association for Biomedical Research (NABR).
A leader in the legislative arena, NABR successfully advocated important revisions in the 1985 amendments to the Animal Welfare Act, which were required to provide a more reasonable and consistent national policy framework for biomedical research. NABR lead a broad-based coalition whose work resulted in the passage of the Animal Enterprise Protection Act of 1992 (AEPA), which first made it a federal crime to interfere with animal research facilities. NABR was also successful in obtaining statutory exemptions and amendments in the Animal Welfare Act of coverage of rats, mice and birds used for research. In 2006, NABR spearheaded the effort that lead to the enactment of the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (AETA), which President George W. Bush signed into law on November 27, 2006.
Since its inception, the Association has effectively and skillfully represented the scientific community to policymakers. With an increase in animal activist campaigns against researchers, NABR works to furnish legislators with the facts, and to educate them on the impact proposed changes would have on medical progress. NABR continues to play a central role in assuring that new federal laws and regulations meet animal welfare and biomedical research needs.
